Congratulations Siobhán Parkinson: Ireland's first Laureate na nÓg

Little Island is excited, delighted and very proud to announce that publisher Siobhán Parkinson has been awarded the honour of being Ireland's inaugural Laureate na nÓg, the Laureate for children's literature. She recieved her Laureate na nÓg medal from President Mary McAleese at a special ceremony yesterday. It will be the Laureate's responsibility over the next two years to champion children's literature both in Ireland and abroad, to raise the profile of Irish children's literature and to increase media attention and conversation around children's books. Siobhán was chosen as the most suitable candidate on the strength of her contribution to Irish children's books, her eagerness and enthusiasm for the sector and her willingness to engage with children and the media.

Laureate na nÓg is a new initiative of the Arts Council with the support of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Children’s Books Ireland and Poetry Ireland. For more information and news updates, visit childrenslaureate.ie and to see a video of Siobhán Parkinson speaking about her appointment, click here.